With that said, will the Nikon be better for sporting events with the 39 auto-focus points? I know that they both have 9 cross-type points.

It depends on your style of shooting and what sports you're shooting. With that said, I'd probably lean towards the D7000 for sports photography from the two (though the 7D, which I think is more worthy of comparison than the 60D, would be my first choice)

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Finally, what about overall image and product quality?

The old saying goes that the lens goes before the body both literally and in the context of IQ. Both bodies can take stunning images with decent glass in front of them.

Personally I think the two cameras are pretty similar. There aren't any particular features that can significantly differentiate them. The only real benefits of the d7000 are 0.7fps more than the 60d and better autofocus. Although remember that you will loose money selling your 60d second hand and then buying a new d7000. This money would probably be better spent on glass that will have a significant effect on your image quality.

Also the 7D is only £120 more in England than the d7000. This is one of the best sports DSLRs. You would benefit from features like 8fps shooting.

Ah my mistake Well if the 7D is definitely out of budget then I think it is up to personal preference what you buy. Think about future purchases as once you start buying a lot of gear it can be expensive to switch again. Which brands lenses do you prefer? Which brands cameras do you prefer? Which brand do you prefer the menu system and general controls of? Make a mental note of what gear appeals to you and then weigh up the two brands.

You are right there is really little difference. Have a play around with both of them in store next to each other if you can and decided which one you prefer that way. Do take a look a the Nikon and Canon lens range as some areas of photography are stronger in the Canon range than Nikon and vice versa.

Looking at the sensor the D7000 has the better noise performance and the better dynamic range; the camera is faster and has the better autofocus, a part of the body is made of magnesium alloy, while the 60D's shell is made of polycarbonate.The 60D has the better screen and the screen is not fixed - that's very nice for macro work and shots that people don't expect. It also has the better video mode.

Personal: I prefer the 60D's button layout.

So technically the D7000 should be the better camera. But in the end it doesn't really matter. Take the one that feels better in your hands.